Mind the gap: Rafa Benitez claims Chelsea can still catch up Man United and win the league

Blues boss refuses to rule out title challenge despite 11 point lead

Rafa Benitez claims that Chelsea still have a shot at landing the Premier League title this season.

Buoyed by his side's 8-0 thrashing of Aston Villa on Sunday, Benitez has refused to rule out overhauling the 11 point gap separating the Blues and leaders Manchester United.

Asked if he will tell his players they can still win the league, Benitez said: "We will see after two or three more games.

"You could see the team had confidence in themselves, they believed, and that was there to the end.

"They had good movements, created chances. Now we have to sustain this run and it will be easier for me to say we can compete."

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The Spaniard, who has been an unpopular figure at Stamford Bridge since he was brought in as interim manager on November 21, seems to have revitalised Blues frontman Fernando Torres - who he also managed at Liverpool - with the striker scoring seven times in his last six games.

"The players were really focused from day one," Benitez said.

"They knew they had a new manager and they had to perform.

"The players, from day one, were trying to learn, to improve and they were keen to learn."

Another player who looks to be developing under the leadership of Spaniard is David Luiz, who has been switched from defence into central midfield - a decision which saw the Brazilian produce a nonchalant but vibrant display against Villa.

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Capped off with a spectacular goal from a technically difficult free-kick, the re-deployment of Luiz looks to be a triumph for Benitez in reshaping Chelsea's attack in a position where they have sometimes struggled to fully impose themselves.

Benitez confirmed the 25-year-old could find himself playing further up the pitch on a more regular basis following yesterday's performance.

He said: "We will analyse it carefully. Maybe, if he can relax, he can play more games in this position because it's easier for him to rest here."

Frank Lampard, who made his 500th Premier League start against Villa and became the Blues' all-time top scorer thanks to his second-half strike, hailed Luiz's talent and thinks he can be a success in both defence and midfield.

Lampard told ChelseaFC.com: "He has the ability to play either position and he has been a fantastic defender at this club.

"People say that central midfield is also a role for him and I think they are right.

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"You still have to have discipline and be in the right position and you can't take liberties, and against Villa he showed that he has the discipline and the ability to do that role."

However, there is still some bad news for Chelsea, as the return date for injured club captain John Terry is still to be confirmed as he recovers from a knee injury.

Terry was originally aiming to be fit to for the Club World Cup earlier this month but setbacks have seen him remain on the sidelines.

Benitez said: "Two days ago it was one little step backwards, but now one step forwards. We cannot say when he'll be available.

"The doctors say it's difficult with an inflammation. The next two or three days, he won't be available, that is clear. He just did the warm-up with the team the other day. I don't know how long (he will be out)."